Paracorporeal assistance system for restoring cardiac activity

Two series of experiments were conducted to assess the potential of artificial ventricular bypass in restoring cardiac activity. One series evaluated use of a paracorporeal left ventricle in 17 calves; the other evaluated biventricular bypass in 11 calves. Module pumps with a seamless blood chamber of polyurethane were used. Pump function and system parameters were controlled by a Sinus VK-2 control system. Assisted perfusion began with the induction of ventricular fibrillation. The experiments showed that left ventricular bypass was an effective method for long-term maintenance of the hemodynamics during fibrillation, leading to certain biochemical corrections and restored electrical activity and myocardial contractile function. The hemodynamic state was maintained at a higher level with biventricular bypass and was accompanied by a greater percentage of restored myocardial function. Uneven restoration of contractile activity in the left and right ventricles points to the need for adequate support of both ventricles.